POSITION SUMMARY:  The Controller will lead all accounting and financial reporting functions of the company, overseeing development and construction accounting, project-level financials, and corporate reporting. This individual will play a critical role in managing the financial operations of a fast-paced merchant development and construction platform, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting across multiple active projects.

The ideal candidate has strong real estate development and construction accounting experience, understands deal structures and project lifecycles, and is comfortable operating in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for both corporate and project entities.
• Maintain accurate job cost accounting for multiple development and construction projects.
• Ensure proper revenue recognition and cost capitalization in accordance with GAAP.

Development and Construction & Project Accounting

• Track and report on project budgets, costs, and profitability across the development and construction lifecycle.
• Work closely with development, construction & asset management teams to monitor project performance.
• Manage construction draws, lender requisitions, and equity funding requests.
• Maintain sources & uses, project pro formas, and variance analyses.

Debt, Equity & Transaction Support

• Support financing activities, including construction loans and permanent financing.
• Coordinate with lenders, investors, and external partners on reporting requirements.
• Assist with project dispositions, including financial close-out and reporting.

Cash Management & Forecasting

• Oversee cash flow management across multiple entities and projects.
• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts at both corporate and project levels.
• Optimize liquidity and ensure proper funding of development and construction activities.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and lender/investor reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate with external auditors and tax advisors.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Build, manage, and mentor accounting staff (if applicable).
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes, and reporting efficiency.
• Implement and manage accounting software and job cost systems.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred).
• 7–12+ years of accounting experience, with a strong focus on real estate development and construction.
• Experience with commercial real estate, preferably retail and/or single-tenant development and construction.
• Deep understanding of development and construction accounting, job costing, and project lifecycle.
• Experience with construction loans, draw processes, and capital stacks.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Yardi, MRI, QuickBooks, Sage) and Excel.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a lean environment.
• Merchant development and construction or build-to-suit experience preferred.
• Experience working with private developers or entrepreneurial firms.
• Familiarity with multi-entity structures and joint ventures.

About Atlanta

Poline Search Partners is an international executive search firm specializing in the shopping center industry. We serve property owners, developers, retailers and service providers who are seeking remarkable talent and work to align them with candidates who are eager for new growth opportunities. Since 1979, our team has been connecting companies and candidates with a commitment to integrity and client satisfaction—making us the industry’s most trusted leader in recruitment.

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